Brillance of the Seas Transatlantic - November 7

[russg140]

We are using miles with AA and found the only thing we could get was Business class to Paris CDG. To get to Barcelona we had to go from NY to Chicago to Madrid to Paris...73 days later you finally get there :mad: ! LOL

 

Our flight gets in to Paris around 8:30-9:00 a.m. and then we're going to spend the day in Paris, maybe get a dayroom at a hotel to rest and freshen up. At 8:30 we're taking the overnight train to Barcelona. The lower fare our TA could find was $503 on Aer Lingus through Dublin. I may check these other websites and re-think our plan.

 

Thanks for the info to all!:)

[leoandhugh]

why could you not fly just to madrid on that flight and then take the train to barcelona - there are trains every couple of hours from madrid.

[Andros]

Well got back from my sister's about 2 hours ago. I checked my mail and came here. Unfortunately, these boards were having a hard time loading for me. After 3 days at my sister's and cleaning, organizing and running a garage sale for 2 days, I'm exausted. I will come back tomorrow and see what's up. I did read post, but don't feel like talking much.

 

Juan, thanks for the website for air fares to Barcelona. I will definately check it out when I do my final researching.

 

See you guys later! Tony

[russg140]

Was a great idea...but, again, even though you get a direct flight from JFK (Delta) it is still $500+. Using miles and the train ends up being less money and hassle...hey there are worse things to do than spend a nice day at a lovely cafe on the Ile de la Cite overlooking Notre Dame!

 

Enough flight talk for now...

 

Is everyone bringing a tux? We are - love getting all dressed up! Formal nights are great. Should we have the meet and greet on formal night? Could be elegant! What do you think guys?

 

As I read my posting from last week (re: organizing our own party) I didn't mean to imply that the cruise line FOD party wasn't okay. I have just read so many postings on CC about the FOD parties and "why didn't XYZ cruiseline set this up for us?!". My thought was simply that we could do it ourselves and avoid any expectation that RCCL would throw a big shindig for "our family" [and don't ask me where I thought canapes were in the picture?!]

 

As and FYI: my partner and I are 42 and 43 respectively - live in upstate NY in a restored Victorian home. We have 4 Chinese Shar-pei and have been together 12 years. We drink. Don't smoke (except I smoke cigars ONLY on cruise ships and ONLY on formal nights - the tux brings out the James Bond in me:o ). Enjoy the casino - he plays blackjack, I play Caribbean Stud, but now love 3-card poker. This will be our 4th cruise on RCCL (Vision - Panama Canal, Radiance - Hawaii, Serenade - Southern Caribbean). Very excited about this trip!

[rienreiter]

Hello To All:

 

Last night I booked a room at the Axel Hotel for a very reasonable rate (85 euros) but after reading a few negative posts on Trip Advisor I decided to cancel the reservation and book at another hotel even if it means spending more $'s.

 

I don't have a tux so I always bring a black suit. However, considering that I am doing more and more cruising, I am now considering getting a tux. Anybody have any suggestions as to where I can good good prices?

 

I'm not sure that RCI will schedule a FOD party. Their official stand on this is that they do not do this. However, I recently read that on the Voyage OTS transatlantic in May they did schedule it after several of our family members went up to complain. I have previously been on the Brilliance OTS 3 times. First time on it I was not aware of FOD's. Second time, it was unofficially held and word had to be spread by word of mouth even though the CD was a queen. Third and last time on the Brilliance this past March, we were given a room for us to have our own party and again word spread by word of mouth. That's why, as someone suggested earlier, it might be best if we agree to meet at "X" place, at "X" time, on "X" date.

 

I haven't booked my airfare yet. I think I'll wait until final payment is due. There will probably be better deals out there by end of August/beginning of September. Last year I flew Miami/London/Barcelona on British Airways for $450 booking 3 weeks ahead of departure. I do prefer to fly into Barcelona. Travelling alone with 2 large pieces of luggage and a carry-on becomes a logistical nightmare if it involves airplanes and trains; not taking into consideration the small taxis.

 

Goodnight!

[Andros]

Well, boards are working better for me this morning! Yippee, I'm estatic!

 

Russ, I don't have a tux so to speak. I have a double breasted suit jacket that I wear a tuxedo shirt and bow tie with! I use to wear it when I drove limo for my BiL( usually wedding runs). I too love to dress up, but Gregg not so much. As far as your FYI, I am 38 and Gregg 34. Both of us will be a year older by the time of the cruise. We live in a townhouse style apartment on the west side of Nashville. Fairly nice area with little crime or problems( some areas are much worst, as in any city). We have a kitty cat whose name is Basil. I had a minature poodle(go figure:rolleyes: ), but she passed away a few years ago. I too like the casino, but mostly play the slots. Gregg doesn't care for it to much either! Oh Well, guess we can't like all the same things.

 

Juan, I didn't relize there was going to be a problem with finding a place to stay till I read post. I haven't been to the reg. thread yet, but am going to try to contact the owner of the apartments and try to book quickly. Hopefully, he will be able to accomadate us. I agree with you on the flight and then train, I wouldn't want to do that with bunches of luggage. I would love seeing stuff on the train ride, but would hate to have to lug all our stuff around. Thanks again for the airline site you posted!

 

I'll talk to you guys later. Going to check the regular thread( I don't have the word Str8 in my vocabulary)! Tony

[gigand]

Greetings Juan,

 

My partner and I live in Miami and I post on various threads on this board at times. I noticed some dialogue of yours from others threads and gather you in live in Ft Lauderdale. I thought I would share some information with you regarding where to get a tux at a reasonable price. We bought ours many years ago from Peter Kent but he may have closed down. Another place that is alive and kicking is Austin Burke located in Miami in the design district. They suit many athletes from the Dolphins, Marlins and Heat. I have bought suits from them as well. There labels are designer and many from Italy but for reasonable prices. It's right next to I-95. You can get a classic tux for a reasonable price there. We have been cruising for many years and bought ours back in 1993. We've worn them many times and definetely got our monies worth. We've been on 16 RSVP, 1 Atlantis and many regular cruises and finally bought ours after a few cruises.

 

Sorry, didn't mean to turn this thread into a tux conversation but I just wanted to help you with your question:D .

 

We have never done a TA but it sound like alot of fun. I bet you can get much rest and relaxation on them. Does this cruise end up in Ft Lauderdale?

 

Jim

[leoandhugh]

just one more post on this tux thing. leo and I have spent 30+ years going down that route, and at our stage of life - he is 87 and I'm 77 - we have grown out of it in more ways than one. once leo had to start using a wheelchair and scooter, changing a full leg prosthesis more than once a day became a drudge so you will see us in jacket and tie and that is it; we go as casual as we can get away with. dressing up lost its charm for us years ago.

sorry guys and gals, what you see is what you get with us!

[rienreiter]

I'm just going to make reservations for my hotel within the next few days because I don't want to encounter any problems later. In case I come up with any better deals later, I can always cancel and rebook. I think I'll probably end up staying at the Hotel Royal which is right on Las Ramblas. That's the one that I stayed at last year and I was very pleased with it. Year before we stayed at the Hotel Regina one block away from Las Ramblas but this year the cost for a single is at $300 a night. I don't think so!

 

I haven't checked the str8t roll call thread. I think it's time I do just to see what's going on there.

 

Can you believe that the airfare that I found for $303 is now up to $403? Next time I find a good fare I will just go ahead and book it.

 

Hi Gigand: You guessed right; I do live in Lauderdale. Thanks for your recommendations. I haven't heard of the name Peter Kent for a while so I don't know if they are still around. I have heard talk on these threads of Syms and Men's Warehouse. My partner and a good friend of mine have mentioned that they have good prices on good brands at Off 5th (the Saks outlet) at Sawgrass Mills. Need to go and check that out. Austin Burke? Are they still around? They were here when I moved here in '79. Can't believe that they are still around. I know where they are off of 95 near downtown. You've never done a TA? You should try it; it is a lot of fun. I know that after last year's I am hooked. This one ends up in Miami.

 

Regards, J

[Andros]

I would never expect you guys to be anyone but yourselves. We will be happy with you guys no matter what you wear. Our Tablemate from last year even wore a soccer jersey type shirt on a smart casual or formal night. I appreciate it when people are just themselves. Whatever makes you guys happy is the most important. You guys deserve it, after this amount of time on earth! If anyone doesn't like it, they know where they can go:rolleyes: !

 

Juan, I beleive my sister and BiL got my suit at either Men's wearhouse or some place like that. I'm sure you will find something that suits your needs( no pun intended). Good luck with your search/purchase!

 

See all of you later! Tony

[gigand]

Juan,

 

Austin Burke was there long before we were born and will probably be there long after we leave:D . The business was passed to the next generation. You'll probably do best at Austin Burke or Syms.

 

Generally how are weather conditions on TA's? I imagine it determines if it's a Spring or Fall crossing and where you are heading, either Fl or New England.

 

Jim

[rienreiter]

Jim:

 

My first TA was last year in November from Barcelona to Miami. Weather was cool while sailing in Europe. Once we departed Lisbon, we had one day that was cold, rainy, and rough seas. After that, it was warm, smooth seas, and sunny all the way to Miami.

 

My 2nd TA was just a couple of months ago from Newark to Dover. First day out of the US was rough and cold. The rest of the days were smooth but still chilly and somewhat overcast. Definitely, the southern route to Florida is much better. Why don't you and your partner join us? You will not be disappointed. I'm hooked.

 

Regards, Juan

[gigand]

Juan,

 

How nice of you to invite us:D . What an honor it is to have complimentary cruise tickets from a complete and pleasant stranger!!!

Just joking Juan;) . Thought I would freak you out. We are not able to make a TA this year as we have other vacations and two other cruises booked between now and February 2007. It sure sounds nice though and Brilliance of The Seas must be a beautiful ship. We have been on a couple of other RCCL ships and loved them.

 

Thanks for addressing the weather conditions. I thought it would be as you described.

 

Jim

[Bryan&Roger]

HI there, Bryan and Roger here. Well.......Bryan. My play has ended it's run last week end and I now have a life to answer emails, clean my house, talk on phone and a lot of other things I've had to let go since we got back in May.

 

Was great to meet you on the Connie. You helped to make the trip wonderful.

Will be writing you soon.

 

and maybe, just maybe we will be doing BOS across the pond. Not sure what we want to do and when.

 

Bryan and Roger:D

[rienreiter]

Hi Jim: Too bad that you guys are not willing to take me up on my offer to go on this cruise.;) You would have enoyed it. Since you turned me down, I decided to return the tickets and will apply the cost towards my bar bill.:D Seriously, you guys should definitely do a transatlantic; you will love it.

 

Hi Bryan: I booked this cruise while on the Baltic Constellation. Took advantage of the $200 on board credit which I will need to have to apply towards my bar bill. I did this cruise last year and had a blast. So, you're coming?

[russg140]

Okay - how many days left? We're almost through June. November will be here before you know it! Anyone besides me getting excited? :rolleyes:

[rienreiter]

Hi Russ: I'm excited alright. I just can't wait. I'll be on the Dawn Princess in October to the Mexican Riviera. Have to do something between now and then.

 

Regards, Juan

[Andros]

I definately excited about this cruise!!! Going back to Europe for the 2nd time has me estatically excited! The fact that we will have 2 new ports will be great. Malaga and Lisbon will be easier to navigate and visit. We will be able to see things that we either missed or didn't know about! My excitement grows on a daily basis. Soon, I will need to do some more research and add it to my homepage!

 

Hope all of you have a good weekend! Tony;)

[rienreiter]

Has everybody fallen off the face of the earth? Where's everybody? Is Nov. 7th here yet?

 

Regards,

 

PS Have any of you looked into hotels yet? If so, what have you found out? Last year I stayed at the Royal Hotel right on Las Ramblas but I'm still looking around to see if there's anything out there more economical.

[Andros]

No, we haven't fell off the face of the earth quite yet!!! I did get 2 teeth pulled yesterday and then went last night at 10 to the first showing of "Superman Returns". Wow, great movie! Was really good considering I had 2 hydrocodones before we left!!! LOL! Gregg has been anticipating this movie since he found out about it last October.

 

As far as Hotels, we are booking this Friday with the apartment guy we went with last year. We are renting a different apartment, but it is in the same building. We will be within walking distance to the port( a couple blocks) and 2 minutes from the Liceu Metro Station. Perfect location to walk to many places of interest, bars, restaurants, etc.... I am also going to do a bike tour and rent a bike the next day at the offered discount. I am getting so excited and November will be here before we know it!!!

 

L & H, I know you asked this on the other thread, but I am responding here! You asked about Malaga and what you could do there. If you just want a leisure type visit this is my suggestion. There is a park type walkway just accross the street from the fenced port exit/entrance! There will be horse and buggies for rent at the head of this park. We are going to walk the full length of this park this year, as it was really quite beautiful with all the palm trees and exotic plants/flowers. Also, 2-3 blocks north right in front of the cathedral there, is a outside cafe where you guys could have a nice lunch. This is where that fountain is that I am standing in front of on my homepage! Don't know what kind of food they have there, but it was hopping with customers. So evidentally it was good food! We took the tourist hop on/off bus last year to go to the Castle Gilbrafaro. Beautiful homes and sites on the way up there. We are not going to do this this year because it was fairly expensive at 25euros a piece. Could have taken a cab cheaper than that!!! Also, anyone going to the castle, keep in mind that at 1 or 2 o'clock they start free entry!

 

Well, feeling good this morning and no pain to speak of. Sat out on my patio and watched the birds with my coffee in hand. Then took my daily walk and now headed to get my hour of sun. Hope everyone has a good rest of the week and look forward to hearing from you! Tony

[leoandhugh]

you and I are two that seem to bounce back and forth between the str8 and this board; I just replied to you on the other about funchal.

I am so glad you are feeling better now you have those two offenders out. I am still waiting for my dentist; ironically he and his two teenage sons are over in madeira right now - his parents came from the azores and they are all portuguese fluent. they went over for some of the world cup soccer in germany and are spending time in madeira on the way back.

since you 2 have already seen superman - is he or isn't he? the la times has been running similar stories the last several days - great publicity stunt.

[Andros]

You are exactly right!!! Don't know who I'm talking to(either leo or hugh), but as long as you guys have been together, you are all in one to me;) !!! Yes, I do a lot of bouncing around to different threads. The regular one, this one, and another feel blue thread where I met a bunch of great people. I talk with them most everyday and post a lot of pictures there. We talk about anything and everything and have a great time doing so. I am a CC addict and can never get enough. I'm here all the time, just as it was an occupation or something. I do share different things with each thread, as some things may or may not be accepted. I feel most comfortable here and with my Feel Blue Thread. Even though most of the time none of us are blue, we have a great support network of CC friends. Most live in California, but a few of us are here on the East Coast. I have some great pictures on that thread of my sister's plants/flowers, mine and some of herb harvest and dishes I have prepared. Since I don't work, I am always doing something to keep myself busy and young of course.

 

I am getting excited about meeting everyone and feel this cruise is going to be a great one. Not that any of my others weren't considered great, but the comradery seems to be going well on both threads. Over 50 people for the M&M is awesome! Also, the amount of you guys on this thread this year is wonderful as well. Talk again soon, Tony

[rienreiter]

Glad to see that we are back. Noticed that this thread did not have any action for a couple of days.

 

Glad to see that you guys are talking nicely about Malaga. This will be my 3rd time there. Plan to get up late that day and just go into town for a leisurely stroll around the center. When there last year, I went on a tour of Marbella and Puerto Banus. It was nice but it was on Sunday and everything was closed. My first time there was actually in 2003 when I went to visit as this is where my paternal grandparents came from. Actually met some relatives that my father still keeps in touch with and they were super nice to us. My maternal grandfather was from Barcelona so you guys better speak nicely of Barcelona also. There, now you know a lot of my background. But I'm only kidding about you guys speaking nicely of these cities. Most people love Barcelona. Actually, I prefer Madrid over Barcelona but everyone has their preferences and they should be respected.

 

I have made and cancelled several hotel reservations. Some were cancelled because after making the reservations, I read some negative reviews of the hotel (the Axel Hotel), and others were cancelled because I found a cheaper rate on another website (the Hotel Royal on Las Ramblas). I now have another hotel one block away from Plaza Catalunya.

 

I'm planning on arriving on the 6th. As I said before, I really don't care much for Barcelona and having been there twice in the past 2 years I don't care to be there except for the day before the cruise.

 

I haven't seen any postings frm zurichguy for a long time. I wonder if he is still coming. I do hope that he has not had any problems with his new partner which would lead to his cancellation.

 

Tony: Yikes! You are having major work done. Well, better now than in November. Exactly where is your hotel? A couple of blocks from the port? Do you mean the port at end of Ramblas or the Brilliance's dock? I can't remember where the Liceu metro stop is. While I have been to Malaga before, I never made it to the Gibralfaro though. Is it worth it goint there? I did go to the nearby parador and the views from there were beautiful.

 

I have a very good friend whose grandparents are from Madeira and he has visited there so he will be giving me recommendations on what tours to take.

 

Going over to the other thread now.

 

Regards, Juan

[Andros]

Nice to hear from you. Our PC was acting up and I had to run a virus scan and come back. My mouth is doing quite well and is almost healed from my extractions the other day. As far as where we are staying, we are staying in an apartment. It is right on the Ramblas at Placa Reial. The Liceu Metro station is right on the Ramblas next to Placa Reial. Yes, it is only about 2-3 blocks from the port at the bottom of the Ramblas and not the docks where BOS was last year. Still, very close and the cab is fairly inexpensive from there. It is going to end up being 305 euros for 3 nights there and is convenient to everything in Barcelona.

 

Hugh, I assumed it was you making the post, but was just being silly. Please forgive me if I in any way upset you. I'm really excited about meeting both of you, and everyone else as well.

 

Russ, The weirdest thing happened when I signed in. When I went to check my e-mail, I had notification of your post from days ago or maybe even last week. It was the one where you were talking about the str8 thread and FOD parties. When I got here, I was the last one to post before Juan. You just never know about these boards or computers for that matter.

 

As far as Zurich, I have no idea what is going on. Haven't heard from him in ages. I too hope that everything is fine with him and his partner.

 

The rest of this post is a copy and paste, you will also see it on the str8 thread.

Well, I have a new member of my family. We went to get her about 6:00 this evening. The people who found her actually took her to the vet and got a check-up, rabies and distemper vacinations, and a license for her. They gave me all the papers from the vet, a collar and leash, and a dog dish and a can of food. They also wanted to give us gas money for coming to get her:eek: ! I said, " Absolutely Not", you took her to the vet and are providing us with all this stuff. I told them that they had done enough and it was now our turn to try to provide for her. Our kitty was not to happy with this new addition to our family, but he will get over it! He actually did pretty good considering this has been his domain for several years now. Guess he is mellowing out in his old age. He actually slept/watched her from the arm of the couch. I think she is going to be a good dog, will just have to see. Talk to you guys later, Tony

[rienreiter]

Tony:

 

LOL. I'm up late as I haven't been to bed yet. I think it's time I do. Will respond to your most recent post tomorrow. Actually, it will be later today.